Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Saturday that U.S. President Donald Trump had suggested deploying U.S. troops to Mexico for the purpose of combating drug trafficking. However, Sheinbaum declined the offer, emphasizing that “sovereignty is not for sale.” Her remarks came following a report in the Wall Street Journal from May 2, which indicated that Trump was pressuring Mexico to permit increased U.S. military involvement against drug cartels along the shared border.
During a university event near the capital, Sheinbaum disclosed, “In one of the calls, (Trump) said, ‘How can we help you fight drug trafficking? I propose that the U.S. Army come in to help you.'” She then recounted her response to Trump, stating, “And you know what I told him? No, President Trump, the territory is sacrosanct, sovereignty is sacrosanct, sovereignty is not for sale, sovereignty is loved and defended.” She reiterated that while collaboration between the two countries is possible, the presence of U.S. military forces in Mexico would not be accepted.
Following these developments, the White House did not provide an immediate response to a Reuters inquiry for comment. Trump has previously indicated that the U.S. would take unilateral military action should Mexico not address the issue of drug cartels adequately. The two leaders have engaged in multiple discussions in recent months concerning security, trade, and immigration.
Sheinbaum also highlighted her request to Trump for assistance in preventing weapons from crossing into Mexico from the United States, which contribute to violence and trafficking. She emphasized the potential for cooperation while underscoring the importance of respecting each nation’s sovereignty.
A recent report in the Wall Street Journal suggested that tensions between the leaders escalated towards the end of an April 16 phone call when Trump advocated for a more prominent role for U.S. armed forces in addressing Mexican drug gangs responsible for producing and smuggling fentanyl into the U.S. In February, the U.S. classified the Sinaloa Cartel and other Mexican drug organizations as global terrorist entities, raising concerns about potential military intervention.
The U.S. military has ramped up airborne surveillance of Mexican drug cartels as part of efforts to gather intelligence for countering their operations. In response, Sheinbaum has proposed a constitutional reform to enhance protections for Mexico’s national sovereignty.
